Walking Tours of Princeton

Volunteer tutors in the Group English Conversation Program, have initiated a series of Walking Tours of Princeton for students who participate in the Group English Conversation Program. The purpose of the tours is to better acquaint international students with the Princeton community. It also provides an opportunity to practice listening and speaking skills.

The tours take place during one of the regular group conversation sessions and are free for the students. Several volunteer tutors accompany the tours, with special assigned docents and guides arranged when needed. In addition to the two tours described below, other tours will take place during the spring session, particularly as the weather gets warmer.

The members of the Walking Tour Committee are Anne Bolick, Marilyn Gerstein, Ilse Lazovick, and Helene Schwartz.

Campus and Princeton Tour

On Thursday, Oct.6, 2011 the Conversation Group went on a walking tour.The 20 participating students were divided into 4 groups. Marvin Jacobson, Brian Zack, Alison Hankinson, and Ilse Lazovick each led a group with Helene Schwartz, Marilyn Gerstein and Eileen Saks each accompanying a group. Our tour lasted 1 1/2 hours and encompassed several on-campus buildings as well as a walk through the town of Princeton. Observations, conversations and questions were in English as we strolled to the various sites.

Some selected sites of interest were:
On campus - The Chapel, Prospect House and surrounding gardens, Nassau Hall and Richardson Auditorium. The Art Museum will be a planned separate visit.

Each of these visitations took place outdoors as well as indoors. Historical highlights were noted and mentioned as we moved about.

We then continued our self-guided walking tour through Princeton:
We strolled down Palmer Square noticing the variety of shops, and then stopped in at the Nassau Inn.The students were excited to see the photos of many prominent Princeton alumni as we entered the Tap Room. The hotel manager came by to show us the famous Yankee Doodle mural and tell the stories connected with it. Everyone was delighted when they received a large postcard of the picture.

We continued onto Witherspoon Street, pointing out the Library, specialty shops and eating places. This was followed by a stroll down Nassau Street including the Historical Society. The tour finished on campus at the Firestone Library.

Each group started out at a different locale so that we wouldn't all crowd into the same area at the same time. Each group may have had their own deviations to their tour. Beautiful fall weather added to the enjoyment of the tour. Many enthusiastic comments were noted at the end of the trip.

(notes from Ilse Lazovick)

Princeton Borough Hall and Police Station

On Thursday, January 13th, twenty-five students along with three tutors walked to the Borough Hall and met in the courtroom with Lieutenant Sharon Papp of the Princeton Borough Police Department.

We had an hour presentation interspersed with relevant questions about varied police
functions. She reviewed motor vehicle and bike issues, courtroom procedures, and personal safety stressing that the United States may be very different than their home countries. She emphasized that the police are here to help and protect citizens. Lieutenant Papp also explained the relationship between Princeton University and the Borough or Township police in regard to jurisdiction. There were quite a few questions relating to International Driver’s Licenses and New Jersey licenses along with questions involving financial disputes.

Before we left Lieutenant Papp showed us where to go for information relating to borough affairs and students were able to take pictures as we toured the jail area. The jail was definitely a highlight that morning!

We all felt it was an informative meeting and especially liked Lieutenant Papp’s comfortable and easy going manner. She gave out pamphlets that go into greater
detail about subjects she covered…and some new ones and, also, gave a website for further information.

Police Department Information:

Call 911 only for emergencies.

Princeton Borough Police Dept. 609 924-4141.

Princeton Township Police Dept. 609 921-2100

Tour to Morven

On Thursday, December 9th, 2010, the FDIC class took a trip to the national historic landmark, Morven. It was built in the 1750’s by Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It was originally the residence of NJ governors and then became a museum and garden.

Our group of 32 students and 5 tutors, undaunted by the freezing temperature, bundled up and briskly walked from Murray Dodge to the old Governor’s mansion to visit the 18th Century home and its current display of Christmas trees that had been decorated by local businesses.

Although we were greeted by a hostess there were no guided tours during the holiday season. We were given a leaflet naming and describing the various displays in each room. Our group was then allowed to stroll at their leisure through the 2 story home, which had at one time been one of Princeton’s social hubs.

The group enjoyed viewing the architecture, paintings, historical displays and elaborate Christmas trees, even being able to vote for their favorite tree. There was much picture taking (no flash), a visit to the gift shop by those interested, and comments verifying what an enjoyable and interesting visit this had been.

As an added attraction on our way there we stopped to notice the bust of Einstein, and Anne gave some interpretation to the statue of “The Newspaper Reader”.

The attending tutors were Eileen Saks, Sally Freedman, Iris Bing, Anne Bolick and Ilse Lazovick. Admission cost was $5.

Historical Tour of Princeton

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010 the Conversation Group went on a “Walking Tour”. The 40 participating students were divided into 3 groups. Marvin Jacobson and Burt Sutka led one group, Eileen Saks, Iris Bing and Ilse Lazovick another with Brian Zack leading the third. Our tour lasted 1 ½ hours and encompassed several on-campus buildings as well as a walk through the town of Princeton. Observations, conversation and questions were in English as we strolled to the various sites.

Some selected sites of interest were:

On campus – The Chapel

Prospect House, then the surrounding gardens

Nassau Hall

Richardson Auditorium

Each of these visitations took place outdoors as well as indoors. Historical highlights were noted and mentioned as we moved about. We then continued our self-guided walking tour through Princeton. We strolled down Palmer Square noticing the variety of shops, and then stopped in at the Nassau Inn. On our way into the Tap Room it was exciting to see the photos of many prominent Princeton alumni as well as the signatures (including Albert Einstein’s) carved into the old wooden tables. The hotel manager came by to show us the famous Yankee Doodle mural by Norman Rockwell and to tell us the stories connected with it. Everyone was delighted that they received a postcard of the picture. We continued onto Witherspoon Street, pointing out the Library, specialty shops and eating places. This was followed by a stroll down Nassau Street, and stopping at the Historical Society.

The tour finished on campus at the Firestone Library.

Each group started out in a different locale so that we wouldn’t crowd into the same area at the same time, but all covered the same plan.
Originally we thought that the cloudy skies and forecast of rain would cancel our trip, but all voted to proceed. Luckily the few sprinkles did not discourage us and the trip proceeded as planned. Many enthusiastic comments were noted at the end of the tour.

Visit to Central Park Zoo

On March 19, 2010, fourteen people were fortunate enough to join English Conversation Group tutor Sheila Siderman on a personally escorted tour of the Central Park Zoo in New York City. Sheila, who has been a volunteer guide at the zoo since last August, introduced the group to a number of animals they had never seen before, or certainly not so close up. One of the members of the group, Michiko Yamashina, spoke about how surprised she was to see sea lions, polar bears and penguins "enjoying life in the middle of New York!" With her knowledge of birds and animals, Sheila was able to explain their eating and living habits in great detail. They even had the opportunity to see the sea lion being fed.

Part of the fun of going on the trip was taking the Dinky train to Princeton Junction and then the train to Penn Station in New York City. Once in New York, the group took the subway uptown to the zoo, which is located on Fifth Avenue and East 64th Street. On the return trip, several people joined Brian Zack, also a Friends' tutor, on a walk to Lincoln Center and then on to the subway back to the train station.

Sheila grew up near the Bronx Zoo and visited it many times with her family and friends. With her interest in science and animals, she became a patron of the Wildlife Conservation Society when she operated her own business. The society manages four zoos and the aquarium in New York City. When she retired, Sheila decided she wanted to return to spending time at the zoo. Since she now lives in Princeton, volunteering at the Bronx Zoo was too difficult a commute; hence, her volunteer work at the Central Park Zoo. Our lucky treat!

Rebecca Matlock Photo Exhibit

February 4, 2010, was the date when students from the Group Conversation Program were given a personal tour by Rebecca Matlock of her photo exhibit at the Frist Campus Center, “The Far North and the Far South.” Students and tutors were fascinated by her personal stories and unique vision about Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, South Africa, and Antarctic, all places she had visited and lived. Ms. Matlock and her husband, Jack Matlock, spent many years living in the Soviet Union, where he served as the last United States Ambassador.

An “amateur” photographer, Ms. Matlock has had over fifty exhibits of her work, including shows in Moscow, Tbilisi, Georgia, Leningrad, Vladivostok, Washington D.C., and New York City. She is the author of At Spaso House: People and Meetings: Notes of the wife of an American Ambassador and co-author with Sarah Caldwell of Challenges: A Memoir of My Life in Opera.

Rebecca Matlock is an Honorary Trustee of the Friends of Davis International Center.

Princeton Borough Hall Trip

On October 29, 2009, our Group Conversation class made a trip to Princeton Borough to hear Roger Martindell, Princeton Borough Council Member. Mr. Martindell has graciously met with our students on two other occasions to explain the function of the local, state and federal government of the United States. Twenty-one students and four tutors were in attendance.

Mr. Martindell, a third generation Princeton resident, explained the difference between the Princeton Borough and Princeton Township governments. Princeton University is located within Princeton Borough, and, thus, is subject to local Borough regulations. He also explained the election process which was to take place on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd.

Mr. Martindell presented a short history lesson about the three branches of the U.S. government (Legislative, Judicial, Executive), as well as a discussion about taxation and services provided to the citizens. His explanation about the Republican and Democratic parties and their differences was most enlightening to the group. The speaker’s friendly, sometimes humorous anecdotes, added an interesting touch to the informative presentation.

Police Department Visit

Detective Courtney Navas of the Princeton Borough Police Department visited our English Conversation class at Murray-Dodge Hall on October 8, 2009, to discuss some of the guidelines and rules our international students need to know. Det. Navas started out her presentation on a humorous note by role playing with Sunny Onish, our group leader, whom she accused of stealing. The police officer proceeded to arrest Sunny and tie her up. After that ice-breaker, Det. Navas proceeded to explain some rules of the road (driving rules), license regulations for driving, biking safety, and other subjects of interest. The questions and discussions showed how relevant these topics were to our international students.

Det. Navas’ personality and warm demeanor were very well received. She tried very hard to slow down her speech so that our students could understand her better. She urged the students to contact her directly if they had any concerns or questions. The students felt she had done an excellent job of educating them and reassuring them of the police role in their lives.

Orange Key Campus Tour

Our group conversation students took an Orange Key Campus Tour on September 29, 2009, to help familiarize them with the Princeton University campus. The guide for our group of forty-seven students and several tutors was Margaret Walker, a senior history major at Princeton.

On a sunny, warm fall day, the tour began at Clio Hall with an explanation of the history of Princeton University. The guide explained facts about the various buildings the group encountered along the way, starting with the Art Museum, dormitories, lecture halls, dining halls, the university library, Nassau Hall, Frist Student Center, and the University Chapel.

Gargoyles created by the sculptor who carved Mt. Rushmore were seen as we exited one of the famous archways where the a cappella choir practices. President Woodrow Wilson’s Prospect House was admired, as well as the beautiful gardens in back that were still in bloom.

Margaret also recounted interesting anecdotes that were sometimes humorous and sometimes historical. She described a very large frozen snowball that was placed in an archway of a dormitory on a cold winter night many years ago. This prank limited the comings and goings of the students who lived in the building until the snowball melted. This was just one example of the rivalry between upper-level and lower-level students.

Our group students all applauded at the end of this enjoyable morning. After the tour, some of the students took advantage of the open-air market that is held near Chancellor Green building, across from Murray-Dodge where our group meets. Each Tuesday during the fall, local farmers sell their products.

Grounds for Sculpture Tour

This past summer, Fleurette and Marc Wallach took a small group of our conversation students to the beautiful Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. This is a special place that exhibits works by well-known and emerging contemporary sculptors in both the museum and throughout the landscaped park.

Fleurette and Marc are docents (specially trained guides) who volunteer their services throughout the year to show visitors around the grounds. Although only a few of our conversation students were able to attend, the experience was most unique. Perhaps Fleurette and Marc can be persuaded to try again.

Princeton Cemetary Tour

On March 29th, our Walking Tour group visited the Princeton Cemetery, located on Witherspoon Street across from the Princeton Library. The visit was arranged by tutor Ilse Lazovick and included twenty-five students. It was led by Reid Byers, who is associated with the Princeton Presbyterian Church and is a frequent docent (trained guide) for the cemetery tours.

Mr. Byers led the group through the various areas of Princeton Cemetery, stopping at the grave sites of some famous and not-so-famous people to provide his listeners with life stories and interesting anecdotes about the people buried there.

Among the better-known individuals buried at Princeton Cemetery are:

• Aaron Burr, the 3rd Vice-President of the United States
• Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States
• George Gallup, founder of the Gallup Poll, an important opinion poll in the United States
• Paul Tulane, a major benefactor and the one for whom Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, is named
• John Witherspoon, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence
• John von Neumann, a world-famous mathematician
• John and Kitty Menendez, former Princeton residents who sons Eric and Lyle were convicted of murdering them in California.

Princeton Borough Hall Trip

On March 19th, the Group English Conversation Class visited the Princeton Borough Hall for the second time to hear Roger Martindell, Princeton Borough Council Member. Thirty students and five tutors were in attendance.

Mr. Martindell spoke about the role of local government in the United States and answered questions about taxes, housing issues, licenses and other concerns. He also spoke at length about the difference between Princeton Township and Princeton Borough. A short history lesson about the three branches of the United States government was also given. Mr. Martindell is a seventh generation Princeton resident and spoke about the history of his family and their connection to politics in the town and state.

After this session, the group was allowed to sit in the Borough Courtroom where they listened to Judge Bonnie L. Goldman. In the quiet of the Courtroom, the students caught a glimpse of the judicial system.

The response from the group in attendance was very positive. The warm and personal communication exhibited by Mr. Martindell and Judge Goldman was appreciated by all.

Peter B. Lewis Science Library Tour

On Thursday, January 29th, 2009, the Friends of the Davis International Center Group Conversation Class took a tour of the Peter B. Lewis Science Library. The group, which consisted of eight tutors and thirty-nine international conversation students, walked from Murray Dodge Hall to the new Frank Gehry-designed library on Washington Road and Ivy Lane.

Two librarians, Juliette Arnheim and Patty Gaspari-Bridges, were the knowledgeable guides that led the tour of the impressive science library. While the visitors assembled in the main lobby, the staff described some of the unique features of the building that opened in September 2008. The class was divided into two groups, with the one-hour tour starting on the top floor Treehouse reading room.

The materials used in the building—glass, steel, concrete, plywood, etc.-- stimulated much conversation. Many of the students were quite impressed with the bold colors, modern furniture, bookcases, unusual lighting and open spaces. The modern technology utilized by Princeton University students was explained as the groups explored the science collections located on the lowest floor. It was learned that the collection consists of 325,000 books and maps. There is a vast amount of information that is available in the Digital Information Center.

This visit stimulated quite a bit of talk and questions from our group conversation students. Some of the students were curious about the availability of foreign language publications and reference books. They were told that they are allowed to use the library even if they are not students of the University. Most of the hour was spent in absolute wonder as they looked in awe at the sleek designs throughout every floor. The unusual and varied styles of chairs were mentioned by many as being uncomfortable. They questioned the use of the “egg shape” seating that utilized bold colored materials. The usual “carrels” were nonexistent and the lockers were “21st” century modern. The “tube-like” automatic lighting was described as “awesome” as some ventured to touch the lights.

This exciting science library visit inspired many discussions among our conversation students—hopefully using their English language skills.

Christmas Tour of Morven

A group of forty students and four tutors from the Friends Group Conversation Program visited Morven, the old Governor’s mansion, to view an original 18th Century home and to see a display of Christmas trees that had been decorated by local businesses. The tour took place December 4, 2008.

A guide dressed in Colonial costume spoke to the group and presented a short history of the house and of Princeton in Revolutionary times. The group was then allowed to roam around the two-story house and view the furnishings, paintings, and historical displays, as well as the elaborate Christmas trees.
All our visitors enjoyed the freedom of moving around the house at their own pace. But the most enjoyable part was seeing the Christmas trees and the different decorations. Many of the students were happy to be introduced to holiday decorations in the United States. The students also enjoyed the gift shop.

Morven, the historic home of former New Jersey governors; and Princeton University Art MuseumThe final tour of the academic year took place in May when the group visited several historic sites on the Princeton University campus, as well as other sites of interest in the community. Among the historic places were Nassau Hall (1756), the Joseph Henry House (1838), and Richardson Auditorium (1894). In town, they visited the Nassau Inn (originally built in 1756 and rebuilt in 1937), Palmer Square, and various shops along the way.

The walking tours have been very well received by the students, who are especially interested in the history of the Princeton area and the country.
The walking tour committee is currently drawing up plans for the 2008-2009 academic year, including a possible visit to McCarter Theatre, the Albert Einstein house, the Municipal Building, the Police Station, the town library, and a return visit to Morven for the Christmas season.

Princeton Borough Police Station Visit

The first tour of the fall 2008 session took place October 30th with a trip to Princeton Borough Police Station. Thirty-tree students and six tutors gathered in the Municipal Courtroom to hear introductory remarks by Acting Sergeant Carol Raymond, who spoke about the police force in Princeton Borough. She stressed that the police force is here to “help” residents and visitors.

Acting Sergeant Raymond discussed and answered questions pertaining to drunk driving, drinking laws, parking tickets, domestic abuse, the Domestic Violence Act of New Jersey, drivers’ licenses, bike safety, courtroom protocol, and other relevant topics.
The students asked numerous questions, such as “Where do we go when we are driving and a police car is flashing red lights behind us? Do we get out of the car if a police officer stops us? Can we have an interpreter if we need to see the judge? What is the difference between the Borough, the Township and the Princeton University Campus Public Safety Officers?”

The highlight of the trip was a tour of the dispatcher’s office and the jail cells where those who are arrested are held overnight.
All the students and tutors felt that Acting Sergeant Raymond did an outstanding job of communicating the valuable service provided by the Princeton Borough Police Department.

For further information about the Walking Tours, please e-mail Hanna Hand or call her at (609) 258-1170.

Click on Group English Conversation for additional information about the English program.

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Last modified 10/11/2011
E-mail comments to Hanna Hand or call (609) 258 -1170.